There has been a significant event reported at an industrial complex in southern Wales, following a powerful explosion and subsequent outbreak of a large fire.
NHS emergency departments in the area are currently on heightened alert and individuals are being urged to avoid going to A&E unless it is absolutely essential.
The South Wales police have announced the closure of roads in Treforest, Pontypridd near Severn Road.
The force stated: “We are currently at the location of a major occurrence on Severn Road, Treforest.”
“Due to ongoing closures, the roads surrounding the industrial estate are inaccessible and will likely remain so for an extended period. It is advised to steer clear of this location.”
On X, the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University health board posted the following notice: “URGENT MESSAGE – Our emergency departments are currently on high alert due to the ongoing incident at Treforest Ind Estate this evening.”
“Kindly refrain from visiting the emergency room unless it is absolutely essential. Our priority is to provide care for those who require it the most.”
A representative from the Welsh ambulance service stated that they dispatched 10 emergency ambulances, seven rapid response vehicles, and the hazardous area response team to the location.
Karl Johnson, a member of the community council, informed Sky News that he is aware of the incident that took place at Mindset Functional Fitness. According to him, the front of the building was “completely destroyed” and a nearby car dealership may have also been impacted.
My colleague, Andrew Morgan, posted on X: “There is a large fire at the Treforest Industrial Estate and emergency services are present on site…please steer clear of the area.”
The bus company Stagecoach in South Wales announced that their 132 and 120 routes will not be able to stop at Rhydyfelin and Hawthorn on the way back due to an incident in Pontypridd.
Krishnaraj Nadarajah, 40, who manages a nearby Esso gas station, informed the BBC that he called the fire department and deactivated the pumps at the station.
He recounted experiencing a “huge blast”.
Nadarajah stated that the sensation was similar to an earthquake. Upon going outside, they witnessed a large fire beginning to grow, accompanied by billowing smoke.
Jonny Foxhall, 36, the owner of nearby music venue the Green Rooms, told the PA news agency: “Our front door was flung open so we went out to see what had happened.
“We observed a plume of smoke and a glowing orange light emerging above the trees, rapidly followed by flames.”
He stated, “Experiencing the shock wave of the explosion was a completely new sensation for me.”
Source: theguardian.com
